The Canadian government is buying six new Bombardier aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force to perform a range of functions, including VIP/dignitary transport, medical evacuations, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and national security missions like strategic airlift and supporting security operations. The $400-million purchase will be completed in mid-2027.
The Bombardier Global 6500 is one of a series of ultra long-range business jets developed for luxury travel, offering range, speed, and comfort and capable of intercontinental transit. Each jet has a capacity of up to 17 passengers, depending upon the layout.
The Global 6500 jets are powered by twin Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 engines, custom designed for the aircraft, to provide high thrust and high fuel economy, but low emissions with increased range than previous designs.
The new jets will replace Bombardier Challenger aircraft in use by the RCAF since 1983.
The Canadian Air Force is not alone in adopting business jets for a variety of reasons. The U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, and Coast Guard have available various Bombardier, Boeing Business Jet, Gulfstream, and Learjet for similar assignments as the Canadians, but thanks to the aircrafts’ speed, range, and availability for advanced avionics they are also deployed for missions like electronic warfare and battlefield communications.
Defense forces in Australia, Italy, and the United Kingdom also are known to have adopted business aircraft.
Bombardier assembles the aircraft in greater Toronto at the +C$670-million Global Aircraft Assembly Centre, inaugurated in 2024. Interior finishing work is done at Bombardier operations in greater Montreal.
“The Global 6500 aircraft is a world-class, made-in-Canada product with the versatility to perform multiple missions, making it the go-to solution for governments around the world,” stated Bombardier president and CEO Éric Martel, Bombardier. “Today, the more than 12,000 Canadians who work at Bombardier can take great pride in knowing that this aircraft will now serve their country.”
“The award of this contract to purchase the Global 6500 under the Defence Investment Agency is a turning point in how Canada equips its military,” stated Sec. of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr. “By streamlining processes and cutting red tape, the Defence Investment Agency is accelerating the delivery of the versatile capabilities the Royal Canadian Air Force needs. Canada has a world-class aerospace industry, and this investment will harness that strength to create good-paying jobs, drive innovation, and bolster our security.”